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Aquarena Springs is One of Texas' Strangest Scuba Spots

January 13, 2011 at 1:01 PM | by | Comments (0)

For quite some time, Aquarena Springs was home to an amusement park in San Marcos, Texas, but unfortunately that’s no longer the case. However, the place is now run by Texas State University and they’re happy to show you all of the treasures found under the sea.

To keep things preserved for future divers you are not just allowed to jump right into the water here, as you need to take one of the monthly dive authorization courses. Hit the water with conservationists and dive experts to learn the dos and don’ts diving in this area—like when to keep your hands to yourself. Just be prepared to shell out around $230 for the pleasure to do so.

Once you get access to the underwater world expect to see some of the area’s most endangered species. There’s critters and creatures like the blind salamander, Fountain darter, Comal Springs riffle beetle, Comal Springs dyropid beetle, Peck's cave amphipod, and San Marcos gambusia. We definitely are not familiar with all (or any) of them, but we’d sure like to see them if it involves getting down under the surface. If not, they are probably hanging around the aquarium where you can stop after changing back into dry clothes.

We realize scuba diving isn’t for everyone, so there are other options at the strange scuba spot. Glass bottom boats reveal the creatures and fishies living below the surface, while keeping passengers entertained—and dry—up on deck. Tours aboard the boats are only $9 per person and last for about 30 minutes, best of all your ticket will get you free access to the aquarium and the boardwalk as well.

Related Stories:
· Aquarena Center [Official Site]
· 'The Pelham Keys': An Unlikely Winter Dive Spot in Alabama [Jaunted]
· Strange Scuba Spots coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: marticagle]

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